Statements of His Excellency at the Ceremony of Epaulettes at Imam Khomeini University and the Marine Sciences and Technologies University of the IRGC

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

First of all, I sincerely congratulate all the dear graduates of Imam Khomeini Marine University and the Marine Sciences and Technologies University of the IRGC, as well as the dear students who received their epaulettes today from both universities. I also sincerely thank the commanders of these two forces, the commanders of educational centers, the professors, the staff, and all those involved in this scientific and military training.

You, my dear children and the brave youth of this country, have gained a very valuable and important opportunity in one of the distinguished chapters of your lives to serve Islam and Iran and this great nation in military attire and with the Islamic code of manliness, preparing yourselves to guard the borders and fulfill your legal duties. The privilege of your period—whether for those who have completed the course or for those who have received their epaulettes and begun their military careers—lies in the fact that it has occurred in the year named after the great Imam; this is unforgettable for you. Our dear Imam—who not only the Iranian nation but many other nations have hearts that beat in remembrance of him, and whose words, teachings, and practical conduct serve as lessons for them—was a model human being for all classes, including the military. If I were to convey this aspect of the great man's personality to you, I would say he was the embodiment of piety, order, and courage; these three elements should remain a lasting lesson for you, dear military youth, throughout your service.

Piety in the life of our great Imam was not merely about performing acts of worship; it encompassed all matters. Piety means being mindful of the correctness of actions and deeds, especially in important matters. Study, social interaction, presence in educational centers, and being among the community and family are all manifestations of piety. In all these, you, as a chosen young person—selected and accepted for one of the most important tasks of this country—should place this before yourselves. Piety means being careful about your behavior and speech, with the same spirit of innovation, initiative, activity, and youthful vigor. When piety is combined with youthful spirit and the utilization of the talents within you, it will create miracles.

Order is also important. The life and existence of a military unit depend on order. By order and discipline, I do not mean merely dry and soulless appearances; the spirit of orderliness is what matters. Order means placing various feelings and desires alongside the iron will of a military person and within the framework of regulations and protocols that can make their behavior effective: order in the classroom, in the sports environment, in the battlefield, and in confronting the enemy.

Courage is the effective element that has transitioned the Iranian nation from a period of silence, humiliation, and global subjugation to a life in the arena of leading nations. You should know that nations throughout history, whenever they suffer a blow, it is from a feeling of weakness, humiliation, and internal defeat; every success they achieve comes from the power of initiative, courage, and not being intimidated by the arrogant powers. Today, those powers that wish to extract tribute from the entire world and consider themselves the gendarme of all regions; those powers that do not recognize the right to life and the right to choose for nations; those powers that desire all sweet values for themselves and not for humanity; can only realize these satanic objectives under the shadow of intimidation. The Iranian nation was not intimidated. Our great and unparalleled leader during the revolution and throughout his life was not intimidated. This lesson remains for the Iranian nation. The arrogant powers seek to instill fear and doubt in nations, statesmen, officials, military personnel, and the general populace through various means. A nation that becomes doubtful is destined to be lost and trampled.

Today, the world is governed by the wills of untrained individuals who have not caught a whiff of spirituality, fairness, and justice. Look at the bloody scene in the Balkans and see what condition the Muslims there are in! The attacks by the United States and its allies on Yugoslavia are a war between two motives of power and have nothing to do with Muslims. One should not think that these attacks are being carried out in defense of Muslims; firstly, because during the attack, the situation of Muslims in Kosovo has worsened day by day, and there has been no improvement in their condition; secondly, these attacks sometimes target them directly. The situation of Muslims, the situation of oppressed nations, and wherever the claws of the world's powerful can target something will be a pitiful situation. The only way to save nations is through self-reliance, complete independence, and providing the elements of survival and power within themselves; not just apparent and material power, but spiritual, mental, and volitional power.

Today, you dear youth have one of the best opportunities for this work at your disposal, which is the military training environment. My dear ones! I advise you to make the utmost use of this youthful opportunity in these military centers: education, strengthening willpower, enhancing physical strength, nurturing the spirit, developing thought and ideas, and being fully prepared to undertake the great responsibilities you face. Today, fortunately, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran—the Army and the IRGC—are beloved among the people. Popular soldiers, divine soldiers, defenders of Islam are titles that apply to you. I am pleased with your behavior, spirit, and work; however, I must tell you that you must continually improve yourselves and take greater strides. The path of human progress is not a dead end or a conclusion. You must elevate the levels of knowledge, discipline, piety, and order to your utmost efforts and improve them day by day.

We hope that God Almighty grants you all success; may He unite the dear martyrs with their leaders; may He unite our dear martyr, General Seyyed Shirazi—whose fortieth day of martyrdom is around this time—with the Prophet; and may He bestow His blessings upon the families of the martyrs and the disabled veterans and their families.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.